LAUNE x Senza
Meet Krista and Jake, founder of Senza! Inspired by a family experience, the pair sought to reinvent a beloved childhood comfort food—pastina—after Krista's sister was diagnosed with Celiac disease. With a desire to create a gluten-free alternative, they launched Senza in November 2024, aiming to evoke nostalgia and warmth in every bite. Read on for more on Senza!
1. Tell me about yourselves and Senza. How was it created?
Krista: Jake and I come from creative backgrounds. We both love food and always look for ways to intertwine our work with our passion. When my sister was diagnosed with Celiac disease a few years ago, she realized she could no longer have our childhood favorite: pastina. It was a lightbulb moment of “let’s make a gluten-free pastina brand!” We started working on Senza in late 2023 and finally launched in November 2024.
2. What is the LAUNE (mood) of Senza?
Krista: Senza is all about nostalgia. The product itself is a comfort food both of us loved growing up, and we hear the same sentiment from so many customers. We wanted to incorporate that vibe into every aspect of the brand. Our checkerboard pattern is reminiscent of old school pizza shops, our mascot brings some whimsy, and every spoonful of Lil Pastina brings you back to your grandma’s kitchen.
3. What’s your favorite dish to cook with Senza and how do you make it?
Jake: I really really really love the classic butter & parmesan. Cook & drain the pasta, throw in a slab of butter, and grate some parmesan to your heart's content.
4. What do you love about New York?
Jake: Proximity to almost anything! More importantly, the time of the year between really hot and very cold.
5. What inspires you?
Krista: Everything about food. The history behind different cuisines, the people who grow it, the ways each family alters a traditional dish.
Jake: Architecture, CPG brand design, YouTube videos under 5k views.
6. What’s next for you and Senza?
Krista: More pasta! More product lines! More fun!
Rapid Fire:
1. Sweet or savory?
Krista: Sweet
Jake: Savory
2. Early mornings or sleeping in?
Krista: Early mornings
Jake: Sleeping in
3. Dream collab?
Both: Kerrygold! Butter pasta supremacy!
4. Favorite place?
Both: Japan
5. Favorite restaurant in NYC?
Both: Antidote in Williamsburg
6. Favorite drinks spot in NYC?
Both: Bangia
7. Favorite movie?
Krista: Halloweentown (LOL)
Jake: Rushmore
In Manhattan, Senza can be found at Pop Up Grocer. Click here for their Store Locator to find Senza near you!
